North American X-15-2
North American X-15-2, Air Force serial 56-6671, made the program's first powered flight on September 17, 1959. After a 1962 emergency-landing accident it was rebuilt as the longer X-15A-2 with external propellant tanks and heat-protection provisions. On its 53rd and final flight, October 3, 1967, William Knight reached Mach 6.70, the program's absolute speed record; severe heating damage led to the aircraft's retirement.
Identity
- Aliases
- X-15-2X-15 56-6671X-15 ship 2X-15A-2
- Name
- North American X-15-2
- Status
- retired
Details
- Description
- North American X-15-2, Air Force serial 56-6671, made the program's first powered flight on September 17, 1959. After a 1962 emergency-landing accident it was rebuilt as the longer X-15A-2 with external propellant tanks and heat-protection provisions. On its 53rd and final flight, October 3, 1967, William Knight reached Mach 6.70, the program's absolute speed record; severe heating damage led to the aircraft's retirement.
- First Flight Date
- 1959-09-17
- Manufacturer
- Operator
- Vehicle Family
Links
Assets & Meta
- Creation Time
- July 14, 2026 at 19:18:31 UTC
- Updated Time
- July 14, 2026 at 19:18:31 UTC
Other
- Last Flight Date
- 1967-10-03
- Search Name
- North American X-15-2 X-15-2 X-15 56-6671 X-15 ship 2 X-15A-2
- Serial Number
- 56-6671
- Vehicle Code
- X-15-2